The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has noted a significant increase in patients visiting its obesity clinic, reflecting the growing concern about obesity in India. The clinic, established on October 11, 2017, has registered 14,000 patients since its inception, with a noticeable rise in numbers from 100 in its first year to 2,300 as of September this year. This shift underscores the urgency of tackling obesity-related health issues as more individuals seek medical assistance not for aesthetic reasons but due to genuine health concerns, as stated by Dr Naval K Vikram.

Each Wednesday, the clinic accommodates approximately 50 to 60 patients, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr Vikram highlights that the continuous influx of patients correlates with a steady escalation in obesity prevalence across the country. The clinic offers a holistic approach by providing comprehensive assessments, nutritional guidance, psychological support, and medical treatment tailored to individual needs.

In recent months, an increase in the availability of generic semaglutide, a medication previously inaccessible to many due to high costs, has encouraged more patients to pursue treatment. This shift has allowed the clinic to expand its prescribing of this class of drugs, thereby enhancing the treatment options available to patients seeking assistance with their weight management.

Comprehensive Care Model

The AIIMS obesity clinic employs a multidisciplinary approach for patient care, integrating several specialised healthcare professionals. Each patient receives a customised diet plan prepared by a nutritionist, while the team also includes physiotherapists, psychiatrists, bariatric surgeons, and metabolic physicians to address the various facets of obesity.

The clinic has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment such as a body composition analysis machine and a FibroScan, which evaluates the impact of obesity on liver health. Should patients require additional evaluations for cardiac or orthopaedic issues, they are referred to relevant specialists within AIIMS, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their overall health.

The outpatient department operates weekly on Wednesdays, facilitating an average of 20 new registrations each week. This consistent inflow indicates an escalating public awareness of obesity and reinforces the necessity for specialised treatment facilities.

Expansion of Obesity Clinics Nationwide

In addition to AIIMS, other states in India are beginning to establish their own obesity clinics. For instance, in March 2025, Gujarat initiated free obesity treatment clinics in civil hospitals across three cities, focusing on diet plans, exercise regimens, and holistic health support.

Furthermore, the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad launched a Comprehensive Obesity Clinic in May 2023. This facility aims to offer evidence-based, multidisciplinary care directed at individuals dealing with obesity and associated metabolic disorders, operating from Monday to Saturday.

Public health experts argue that the AIIMS model is essential for addressing the growing obesity epidemic in India. They emphasise the need for enhanced workforce training to adequately manage obesity prevention and treatment effectively. Professor Monika Arora from the Public Health Foundation of India highlights the importance of empowering health workers to address obesity comprehensively, noting that traditional public health initiatives have focused primarily on undernutrition.

Experts warn that reliance on treatment without preventative measures could result in escalating costs. Clear strategies are needed, including improved dietary guidelines during pregnancy and early childhood. Regulating the marketing of ultra-processed food products rich in sugar, salt, and fats is also crucial in combatting the obesity crisis from a grassroots level.

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